Matthew Wade Should Bat Lower Down The Order: Andrew McDonald
Published - 31 Dec 2020, 07:10 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:39 AM
Australia’s assistant coach, Andrew McDonald feels that Matthew Wade is best suited to bat in the middle-order. The left-hander has been playing the role of a makeshift opener in the absence of David Warner in the first two Tests against India.
David Warner and Will Pucovski have made a return to Australia’s Test squad after being sidelined owing to a groin injury and a concussion. Joe Burns has been dropped following his poor form.
Australia won the Adelaide Test on the back of a tremendous bowling effort, however, their frailties were exposed in Melbourne as the openers failed to provide a big base for the middle-order, which also couldn’t score runs. The hosts would want to make a comeback in the series- for that the engine front of the batting needs to do better.
A lot will depend on Pucovski’s fitness: Andrew McDonald
While Warner will most likely play – if fit – in Sydney, however, it is to be seen if Pucvoski gets his debut cap despite Burns being dropped as Wade did a brilliant job in the two matches.
In particular, in the second Test, he played two different kinds of knocks: in the first innings, he attacked the Indian bowlers for 30 runs from 39 balls; while in the second innings the southpaw played an uncharacteristic knock of 40 from 137 balls bunting out the new ball but getting out before cashing in on his hard work.
Andrew McDonald suggests that Wade could be shifted down the order, which he believes is the southpaw’s best position if Pucovski gets the nod to play in the third Test. That would mean either Travis Head or Cameron Green will be dropped. Indeed, after making a return to the side, Wade struck two centuries in the Ashes in England while batting in the middle-order.
“Is Wade and Warner the best opening combination for us at this point in time? I think a lot of that will depend on how Will Pucovski is. I would suggest (Wade)’s best batting position is in the middle and that’s probably where he’s best suited,” McDonald said.
